Today's Joy: Matching fuzzy bathrobes. 2 cups of cappuccino. Taking a moment to wake up together. I heart good mornings.

Dear Reader, Today's Joy comes to you from the waiting room of our local Urgent Care center.
While I was away last week, Himself re-affirmed his "Man of the Year" status by cleaning every inch of our home. He even bought Easy-Off and scrubbed the oven! Unfortunately, his gallantry resulted in several chemical burns that are now red, puffy & infected. Chemical burns are not a joy for anybody. But I would like to take a moment (while Himself fills out a huge stack of insurance forms) to thank all of the dedicated partners everywhere, who risk life and limb and unprotected forearms--all in the name of doing something thoughtful for the one they love. Three cheers for the Practical Lover! And yes, Honey, chicks dig scars.

Today's Joy: Himself. Due to a financial crux, I went home to see family in IL over the New Year, while he stayed in Texas. That time apart turned out to be productive for both of us. While I missed him terribly and re-affirmed what I already knew (that he is, in fact, the ONLY man for me), he spent the week caring for our home and vehicle and thinking out a plan for how to improve our lives in 2010. Which he then presented to me in clear detail once I arrived, with much relief, back into his arms. Add to that the beautiful Love Knot ring he presented to me on Christmas morning--his promise that we will make this journey together--and I could hardly be happier.

It's an amazing thing, love. A gift and a blessing from God. The one intangible that can become tangible. A verb that turns itself into a noun. The only act I know which, when practiced, infinitely multiplies both the amount you are capable of giving as well as how much you are able to receive. Ah, dear Reader, isn't that a lovely thought?

(Photo of us was taken New Year's Eve, 2008, at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City.)

Today's Joy: spending an afternoon with Himself, planning concrete ways to improve our life in 2010. Can't wait to see what we accomplish. Best part: it was his idea!

Today's joy: the renewing, centering of self. Am on a bus from Chicago, where I visited family: now headed for Texas across the frozen snowfields of Iowa. My thoughts are full of all the laughter, amazing cooking and togetherness we shared this week. These glorious cream puffs were the pinnacle of deliciousness as well as a great example of what we can accomplish by sharing recipes and skills, and by diving in to help one another create something richer than we thought possible. Having an overwhelming sense of peace & gratitude for this kind of tangible love--so present, you can breathe it in. Like an innoculation of joy for the soul...and the tummy!

Bacon-wrapped Scallops

Oh, how I love an easy appetizer, Reader.

If you can find sea scallops on sale, there is nothing more succulent to serve at a party.

Bacon-wrapped Scallops*

1 lb. large sea scallops: thawed, cleaned & cut in half

1 pkg. sliced hickory smoked or apple wood bacon

brown sugar

salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Halve each bacon strip.

Season scallops with salt & pepper.

Wrap each scallop half in a strip of bacon, then roll in brown sugar and place on cookie sheet.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until scallop is opaque and bacon is cooked.

Serve immediately.

Serves 6-8.

*For those allergic to shellfish, substitute mushrooms for the scallops and skip the brown sugar.*

365 Days of Joy Begin....

Lion & Lamb
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Welcome to 2010, dear Reader!
Whether you are stumbling out of bed bleary-eyed or curling up on the couch with a mug of coffee to watch the Rose Parade, I hope this bright, chilly morning finds you happy and looking forward to the year ahead.

In the middle of all the holiday hooplah this season, not surprisingly, I found myself thinking about joy. It's easy to be joyful on officially-designated holidays. But what about the joy permeating our lives everyday? Lord knows, it takes more effort to recognize and cultivate positivity when the bills are past due, your job stress is on the rise and the love of your life leaves whiskers all over the sink (again).

But here's the truth: I get frustrated too easily. Obstacles make me cranky. I've been known to allow minor setbacks to upset my peaceful balance. Too often, I let the world get to me rather than trusting in God, in my faith and in love to guide me along the right path.

So, instead of a resolution this year, I'm committing myself to finding something positive & joyful to write about each day for 365 days. Starting now. Something impactful, however small. Something I am grateful for. Something that restores my faith in God and humanity. Something to share with you, dear Reader, in hopes of bolstering your joy too.

This will not be easy. Sometimes it might get a little sappy. It might be a hair preachy at times too. But I promise you, it will be honest and heartfelt and maybe a little illuminating.
You will still also find my favorite recipes, holiday party tips and general musings about life.

Let the chronicling of joy begin!